All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more Katherine Louie, Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted The best hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea put the spotlight on this exclusive zip code, comprised of quaint cottages and picturesque white sand beaches. “It's known as the town with no addresses, sitting amidst some of California's most beautiful scenery,” says Nicole Campoy Jackson, a travel advisor at Fora. Visitors can enjoy “bluff-top walking trails overlooking the sea by morning, and then the most darling cheese shop you've ever seen in the afternoon.” If you’re keen on exploring this charming village, our top recommendation is The Hotel Carmel thanks to its excellent location. We also recommend L’Auberge Carmel for luxury lovers, La Playa Hotel for quick access to tranquil beaches and Villa Mara Carmel for a romantic getaway. Ahead, the best hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 2025. Best Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea Overall: The Hotel Carmel Best High-End Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: L’Auberge Carmel Best Beachfront Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: La Playa Hotel Best Boutique Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Cypress Inn Best Hotel For Couples In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Villa Mara Carmel Best Hotel For Families In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel Valley Ranch Best Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea Overall: The Hotel Carmel Hotel Carmel guest room with fireplace. Courtesy of Hotel Carmel The Hotel Carmel Who Will Love It: Bohemian types; creatives All-Star Amenities: High thread count linens; rooms with balconies; USB charging ports; easy walking distance to the village What Not To Miss: All the character-filled public spaces Location: Carmel Village Conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the charming shops and restaurants of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this property is an idyllic location for soaking in all the area has to offer. It was recently redesigned, so the modern beach house décor feels fresh and new while still retaining the cozy, old-school charm it was known for. There are 30 guest rooms and suites (14 have fireplaces) with bright and airy interiors, jute chairs and ultra-plush platform beds topped with silky linens. The hotel offers a “Champagne continental breakfast” daily from 8 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. so travelers can enjoy seasonal fruits, fresh-baked pastries, yogurt with granola and other light bites. When the sun goes down, the courtyard fire pit is ideal for enjoying an after-dinner digestif or glass of wine while watching the sunset. Best High-End Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: L’Auberge Carmel The fairytale facade of L’Auberge Carmel. L’Auberge Carmel Who Will Love It: Foodie travelers who appreciate old world elegance All-Star Amenities: In-room spa services; romantic turn-down service for an added fee; pre-arrival concierge What Not To Miss: Dinner and wine pairings at the Michelin star restaurant Aubergine Location: Carmel Village This historic hotel, built in 1929, feels distinctly European with its white stucco façade, green shutters and elegant planter boxes. All 20 guest rooms will make travelers feel like a king or queen with their four-poster beds, plush carpeting, antique furniture, and spacious bathrooms with a separate walk-in shower and heated floors. No two rooms are the same, which makes the experience all the more exciting. Chef Justin Cogley’s tasting menus at the award-winning restaurant, Aubergine, use fresh, seasonal ingredients, and desserts are prepared by pastry chef Yulanda Santos. A dinner reservation here is not to be missed. Best Beachfront Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: La Playa Hotel La Playa Suite at La Playa Carmel. La Playa Hotel Who Will Love It: Beach lovers and romantics All-Star Amenities: Pillow-top mattresses; Staycast media streaming; nightly turndown service What Not To Miss: An ocean-view guest room; Champagne breakfast buffet; 10 minute happy hour in Bud’s bar where well drinks are just a dime Location: Carmel Village Located just steps away from the famed white sands of Carmel Beach, this unique property, built in 1905, underwent a $20 million renovation in 2023 to transform its interiors and offer travelers modern luxuries in a historic setting. The 75 guest rooms all have breathtaking views—whether you’re overlooking the ocean, garden or estate—and feature Le Labo toiletries, Kassatex robes, custom climate control and Verve coffee. In the morning, don’t skip the Champagne breakfast served in the library and on the lush terrace—it’s the perfect opportunity to breathe in the sea air and unwind before starting your day. Best Boutique Hotel In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Cypress Inn Rich with history and storybook charm, the Cypress Inn is one of Carmel’s most singular stays. Courtesy of Cypress Inn/Christine Gustafson Cypress Inn Who Will Love It: People who love old Hollywood glamour and the arts All-Star Amenities: Continental breakfast included; daily newspaper delivery; pet blankets and pet bowls; artist retreats throughout the year What Not To Miss: A glass of complimentary cream sherry Location: Carmel Village Previously owned by renowned actress Doris Day, the Cypress Inn has been a Carmel mainstay since it opened in 1929. The architecture and décor have a Mediterranean flair, complete with terracotta floors, rounded archways and warm, earthy colors throughout the rooms and main spaces. All the rooms and suites are spacious, providing travelers with plush robes, filtered water, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and, of course, blankets and amenities for pets. The extended continental breakfast and a cold glass of wine at adjoining Terry’s restaurant and lounge are noteworthy benefits guests should take advantage of during their stay. Day, who passed away in 2019, was an animal rights activist, so naturally, the property welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. Best Hotel For Couples In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Villa Mara Carmel Villa Mara Carmel interior. Courtesy of Stephanie Russo Villa Mara Carmel Who Will Love It: Couples; luxury travelers who prefer a residential feel All-Star Amenities: Minibars filled with locally sourced snacks and beverages; Apple TV; most guest rooms have balconies and ocean views What Not To Miss: Meticulously landscaped front and backyard with over 400 plants and water features; a morning wellness juice shot in the bar Location: Carmel Point This adults-only boutique hotel is nestled between a section of private homes and will make guests feel as though they’re staying at a friend’s private residence. Each of the 16 rooms is named after a different landmark, historical figure or geographical location and is decorated in sophisticated shades of blue and cream. Couples seeking seclusion should book the standalone Jeffers Cottage, which has a private yard with a fire pit plus a separate living area to sprawl out. Every room offers contemporary bathrooms with heated floors and Le Labo toiletries. Although there’s no on-site restaurant, Jesena’s Bar serves breakfast pastries and quiches from a local patisserie in the morning and transitions to a full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails in the evening. Best Hotel For Families In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel Valley Ranch Carmel Valley Ranch. Heather Durham Photography Carmel Valley Ranch Who Will Love It: Equestrians and active families who enjoy luxury ranch-style living All-Star Amenities: All-suite property; Pete Dye-designed bentgrass golf course; three swimming pools What Not To Miss: A healing horse experience like Equines and Wine; a treatment at Spa Aiyana; complimentary s’mores; archery Location: Carmel Valley The sprawling 500-acre property where the Carmel Valley Ranch sits is an ideal spot if you’re looking for an adventure-filled stay for the whole family. The hotel’s kid-friendly activities calendar offers everything from tours of the two-acre organic garden and orchard to rounds of golf (or lessons to improve your skills with a one-to-four day program), beekeeping tutorials and miles of bike paths that the whole family can enjoy. Every room is a suite, all of which feature a spacious outdoor deck, and the many amenities include cozy robes, bedroom fireplaces and a mini fridge. The property’s “Munchkin Menu” even has strollers and other necessities on hand should parents need them. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Katherine Louie, a lifestyle editor at Forbes Vetted who focuses on a number of topics, including travel, beauty, fashion and home. She has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted. This story was edited by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and has traversed the U.S., spending significant time in California. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Carmel-By-The-Sea We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. For this story, Louie combined first-person experience and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more. Our selections include family-friendly properties as well as more adult-focused properties. We also included a selection of larger properties as well as intimate boutique stays, all across a wide range of budgets. We also spoke with Nicole Campoy Jackson, a travel advisor at Fora, who has booked multiple trips in Carmel-By-The-Sea. She shared key insights on the best places to stay and what makes the destination an excellent place to visit. About Katherine Louie, Your Carmel-By-The-Sea Guide I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York. Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions